A new Aussie passport just got a little more expensive

A new Aussie passport just got a little more expensive

Need a new Aussie passport to join us on one of our pack-free guided walks? Well, unfortunately the cost of a passport is set to increase again with travellers forced to fork out more than $400 for a 10-year option. Ouch!

 

 

Due to annual indexation, the cost of a 10-year passport for Australians aged over 16 will increase to $412 starting January 1, 2025. This marks a $14 increase from the current fee.

The price hike for the new year comes as the second passport fee rise in just six months, following a 15 per cent increase imposed by the Federal government on July 1, which was outside of the standard indexation. These changes have led to a significant rise in passport costs, impacting Australian travellers who may now face higher fees for essential travel documentation.

 

 

With the latest increases, the Australian passport is now the most expensive in the world.

The fee for a five-year passport, which is available to children under 16 and Australians aged over 75, will also rise from $201 to $208 starting January 1, 2025.

Additionally, the cost for an emergency passport and replacement passport will climb from $250 to $259. It’s important to remember that when travelling internationally, you need at least six months of validity remaining on your passport to leave the country. So, make sure you check your passport’s expiry date well in advance of your trip to avoid any last-minute issues or unexpected costs!

 

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) explained that Australian passports feature “a high level of technological sophistication, backed by rigorous anti-fraud measures, which ensures its integrity.” These advanced features, designed to protect against identity theft and fraud, contribute to the passport’s security and reliability. Additionally, Australians enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to more than 180 nations, making the passport a valuable and powerful travel document. Despite the higher cost, the DFAT spokesperson emphasized that these enhanced security features and international benefits help justify the increase in passport fees.

 

 

So where do we go overseas? How’s New Zealand, Japan, Europe, the UK and some of the world’s classic Caminos?! Click here to apply for a new Australian passport.